Those No Signal Blues.

Now for track 3 of the album, of which there are THREE CD'S LEFT! I'm then holding back a limited number for physical sale, which will be first-come first-serve tomorrow at The Marquis, near Trafalgar Square, from 8pm.

So on New Year's Day when I was 22, I got a bombshell call from Dennis Greaves. "Want to join Nine Below Zero?"

I spent many years after that on the road with them and remain on the extended "bells and whistles" lineups, sharing stages with amazing people and meeting so many lovelies, with an interactive view of true masters.

Dennis and Mark Feltham knew I was starting to dabble with writing, and Mark in particular often suggested, "Hey Tom you should write a blues song"!

So this was on the back of my mind for a long time, and a must for the hypothetical album, as a nod to a group so integral to my existence. I'm not gifted enough to transform a 12-bar into something fresh like the greats could, but the music on the stages and in the bus built a thorough tapestry of inspiration of approaches and possibilities.

Then one day in 2023, a friend smashed their phone screen, and while it was in repairs, they were living their best life without it. Until they got it back, and glued back to the screen tapping and scrolling straight away. It was fascinating modern day human nature.

As soon as I got home, 'Those No Signal Blues' appeared in one sitting. Ok there it is! And it's JUMP BLUES! I immediately recorded a scratch vocal and guitar, and built the rest from take 1 that evening.

I tried to channel my bandmates and although it ended up just sounding like me, instrumentally it's one I'm the most proud of. Written and recorded in March 2023, all by me, but the live drums were engineered that June by Andy Furmage at eRax Sound Art.

Can't believe the CD's are nearly gone, what on actual earth?! I will stock up upon the imminent return of "+VAT", but in the meantime act quick at https://linktr.ee/tommonksmusic or you'll have to try eBay or something, and thank you all so much x